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Saturday, 11 July 2015

Yellow is Such a Happy Colour!

Stash-busting 2015: Cardigan Sweater

Mama R has a difficult time finding clothes that fit and cardigan sweaters are no exception. She's petite and often the sleeves are too long or the style is too tight and don't get me started on the quality of fabric found in RTW clothing. A cardigan sweater was a project that I wanted to create.

The Pattern:

I found two out-of-print patterns for cardigans that are currently in my stash, one is a McCall's and the other a Butterick. I tried the Butterick pattern first.

OOP Butterick 5760 is a winner for sure. If this pattern comes across your path and you're looking for a cardigan pattern, I would say "get it!" A few minor tweaks after the first fitting and it is perfect. The description on the pattern envelope states it is close-fitting cardigan yet I found an online reviewer who added back darts to their version for an even closer fit.

I followed the finished measurements on the pattern pieces and considered Mama R's desire for garments that are not too fitted and went from there. The shoulders and armholes are a size 14 cut with the side seams cut as a size 18. It was the perfect easy fitting fit that Mama R likes.

I shortened the sleeve pattern prior to cutting but I left the cardigan length. After Mama R tried it on I cut the length to the band edge and folded the band and length up an additional inch.

The fabric:

I found this gorgeous medium weight cotton knit at Northwest Fabrics for a steal. It was on sale for $3.99 / metre but reduced to 99₵ if I purchased the whole bolt. Of course, I bought the whole bolt. Look at it, it is such a happy colour--how could I say no to that deal.

I did not pre-shrink this fabric because I was using this fabric as a muslin, a bit of laziness and if it shrinks during laundering no biggy--I can whip up another one.

I finished off the inside of the front bands with yellow grossgrain ribbon. I love the way this looks and I borrowed this design idea from Elie Tahari's designer clothing.

The only other design change was the omission of the front buttons and buttonholes. Mama R requested no closures since she never closes her cardigans.